Producers of infant formula for premature babies use homogenization processes to achieve uniform particle size, moisture, color and to avoid creaming of the milk concentrate contained in the product.
Moreover, possible further processing only leads to satisfying product quality, if the liquid is previously homogenized.
LEWA homogenization systems meet the challenging process demands: A LEWA triplex process diaphragm pump generates the pressure. Furthermore, the system also fulfills typical parameters such as aseptic material, easy cleanability, and long service life.
With high-purity systems adapted to customer requirements, LEWA provides solutions for the demanding tasks of homogenizing milk:
What happens during homogenization?
During homogenization, various liquids that are insoluble with each other are mixed into a single solution. Achieving this requires minimizing the droplet size of the dispersing liquid to a small, unchanging diameter. This is accomplished through high-pressure relaxation. The substance runs through a high-pressure pump, is condensed and then relaxed with a homogenization valve. This produces solutions with the desired properties and high stability. Homogenization is extremely important for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries because, for example, even the smallest quantities of a medication must contain the same percentage of the active ingredient. By means of homogenization it is possible to achieve an absolutely uniform mixture.
Why are dairy products homogenized?
Fat globules contained in milk and oil are fragmented by homogenization. This process prevents the formation of cream (separation of cream and water). Natural fat globules have a diameter of 10 to 30 μm; depending on the pressure applied, homogenization can decrease the size to less than 1 μm. For this purpose milk is heated (here: 50 – 70 °C) and forced through a homogenization valve. Homogenization breaks the original membrane of fat globules. Only pasteurized milk can be homogenized, as otherwise the activation of lipase causes a strong rancid taste.
Homogenization is particularly important for the production of infant formula because it does not only contain milk and various oils but also other nutrients. Further processing of an unhomogenized liquid to powder would lead to a hardly soluble product.
Source: Lebensministerium.at and wikipedia.org
LEWA supports producers and plant construction companies in the food and beverage industries with pumps and systems for homogenization and dispersion, as well as for other processing operations in the food industry. We work with you to plan all the important process-related operations, such as conveying, metering, mixing, heating, and cooling so that you can process your raw product cost-effectively.
More DetailsLEWA ecoflow is also available in sanitary/hygienic. The metering pump for hygienic applications has the same all-around capabilities and fulfills all specifications for pharmaceutical and food production.
More DetailsA sanitary/hygienic version is also available for the LEWA ecodos. Here, we meet all requirements for operation in pharmaceutical and food production.
More DetailsThe LEWA triplex process diaphragm pump is among the world's most compact high-pressure pumps and can even be set up in the tightest spaces when space is at a premium. The power package has proven its strength in numerous high-pressure processes in a variety of industries. Oil and Gas icon Gas odor icon gray Refinery icon Petrochemicals icon Chemicals icon Plastics icon gray Cleaning icon Cosmetics icon Pharma icon Food icon Energy icon Other icon
More DetailsThe LEWA triplex homogenizing pump offers hermetic diaphragm technology for sensitive ready-to-drink products, infant food, nutraceuticals and enteral nutrition. It is ideally suited for the treatment of demanding fluids in the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries.
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